And on the back of the previous season which saw Tiote’s year cut short due to a knee issue picked up at the African Cup of Nations playing for the Ivory Coast, it’s little wonder that the midfielder has looked miserable at times.

With things not going Tiote’s way it also looked like a move to the Chinese Premier League would offer him the chance of a fresh start.

But that also fell through, meaning he stayed at Newcastle.

Things may not have worked out under his old FC Twente boss Steve McClaren, but once Rafa Benitez was appointed, the African midfielder was one of the first players he summoned to his office to see when he could get back on the pitch.

So far Benitez seems to be getting the best out of the battling midfielder.

There was even a moment at Anfield last weekend in which he put in an immaculate tackle on James Milner that brought back memories of Tiote at his best for the club.

Tiote told the Chronicle: “It’s very important to feel wanted by the manager.

“But also as a professional, whether you play or don’t play, you need to do everything for the team.